Patentable/Patents/US-11974191
US-11974191

Method of and a node device for alerting node devices in a network of operatively interconnected node devices

PublishedApril 30, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A method (50) of, a node device (100) and a computer program product arranged for alerting node devices in a network of operatively interconnected node devices by transmitting an alerting message comprising a geographic location address of an originator node device (21) transmitting the alerting message and a moving direction (12) of an object (11) receiving service from the originator node device (21). When a receiving node device (24, 25) determines, based on its geographic location address, the geographic location address of the originator node device (21) and the moving direction (12), that the object (11) is approaching the receiving node device (24, 25), it transmits the alerting message comprising the geographic location address of the originator node device (21) and the moving direction (12).

Patent Claims
12 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said alerting message is generated by said originator node device in response to detection of said object by a sensor of said originator node device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for detecting and alerting about objects in a networked environment, such as a smart home or industrial monitoring system. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and reliable object detection and alert generation within a distributed network of devices, where timely notifications are critical for security or operational purposes. The system includes multiple node devices, each equipped with sensors capable of detecting objects. When an originator node device detects an object using its sensor, it generates an alerting message. This message is then transmitted to other node devices in the network, ensuring that relevant parties are notified of the detected object. The alerting message may include details about the detected object, such as its type, location, or movement patterns, allowing for informed decision-making. The originator node device processes sensor data to confirm the presence of an object before generating the alert. This reduces false positives and ensures that only valid detections trigger notifications. The system may also include mechanisms for verifying the alerting message at receiving nodes, further enhancing reliability. This approach improves object detection and alerting in distributed networks by leveraging localized sensor data and ensuring timely communication between nodes. The invention is particularly useful in applications where immediate awareness of detected objects is essential, such as security monitoring, asset tracking, or environmental sensing.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method according claim 1, wherein said node devices are arranged along at least one track, said method further comprising updating, in said alerting message, by a receiving node device, said geographic location address of said originator node device and said moving direction of said object when this receiving node device determines that said object moves in a different direction than indicated in said received alerting message.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for tracking and alerting about the movement of objects, particularly in scenarios where multiple node devices are arranged along at least one track. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and dynamic tracking of moving objects, especially when their direction changes, to ensure timely and precise alerts are disseminated to relevant nodes. The method involves node devices that monitor the movement of an object and generate alerting messages containing the geographic location address of the originator node device and the moving direction of the object. When a receiving node device detects that the object is moving in a different direction than indicated in the received alerting message, it updates the geographic location address and moving direction in the alerting message before forwarding it. This ensures that subsequent nodes receive the most current information about the object's movement, improving the accuracy of tracking and alerting. The system is particularly useful in applications such as railway networks, automated guided vehicles, or other environments where objects move along predefined paths, and real-time tracking is critical for safety and coordination. By dynamically updating the alerting messages, the system adapts to changes in the object's movement, reducing the risk of outdated or incorrect information being propagated. This enhances situational awareness and response efficiency in dynamic tracking scenarios.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said alerting message is updated by said receiving node device in response to detection of said object by a sensor of said receiving node device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems where devices detect and alert others about objects in their environment. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and accurate alerting in such systems, particularly when multiple devices may detect the same object. The method involves a receiving node device that generates an alerting message about an object detected in its vicinity. The alerting message is initially created based on data from the object or other sources. The key improvement is that the receiving node device updates the alerting message when its own sensor detects the object. This ensures the alert is refined with direct sensor data, improving accuracy. The method may also involve the receiving node device receiving the alerting message from another device, such as a transmitting node device, before updating it with its own sensor data. The system may include multiple devices communicating wirelessly to share and update alerting messages, enhancing situational awareness across the network. The invention is particularly useful in applications like vehicle-to-vehicle communication, industrial monitoring, or smart infrastructure where real-time object detection and alerting are critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a geographic location address of a node device is obtained from one of a geographic location detection module of said node device and preconfigured data available to said node device.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for determining the geographic location of a node device in a network involves obtaining the device's geographic location address from either a built-in geographic location detection module or preconfigured data stored on the device. The geographic location detection module may include hardware or software components capable of determining the device's position, such as GPS, Wi-Fi triangulation, or cellular tower-based positioning. Alternatively, the device may rely on preconfigured data, such as manually entered coordinates, network-based location data, or location information provided during device setup. This method ensures that the node device can accurately determine its geographic location for applications such as asset tracking, navigation, or location-based services. The system may further utilize this location data for routing, security, or service optimization within the network. The approach provides flexibility in obtaining location information, allowing for both real-time positioning and static location data, depending on the device's capabilities and the specific use case. This method is particularly useful in scenarios where devices may not have continuous access to external positioning systems or where preconfigured locations are sufficient for the intended application.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein each node device operates in accordance with a Medium Access Control (MAC) data processing protocol sub-layer, wherein said geographic location address of said originator node device and said moving direction of said object are comprised in at least one of a MAC header and application data of said alerting message for processing by said MAC data processing protocol sub-layer of said receiving node device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically methods for disseminating alerting messages among node devices in a mobile ad-hoc network (MANET). The problem addressed is the efficient and reliable transmission of alerting messages containing critical information, such as the geographic location of an originator node and the moving direction of an object, to ensure timely awareness and response in dynamic environments. The method involves node devices operating under a Medium Access Control (MAC) data processing protocol sub-layer. Each node device processes alerting messages that include the geographic location of the originator node and the moving direction of the object. This information is embedded in either the MAC header or the application data of the alerting message, allowing the receiving node device to extract and utilize it at the MAC sub-layer level. This ensures low-latency processing and prioritization of alerting messages, improving network responsiveness in scenarios where rapid dissemination of critical data is essential, such as in emergency response or autonomous vehicle coordination. The approach enhances reliability by leveraging MAC-layer processing to handle location and direction data, reducing dependency on higher-layer protocols for time-sensitive operations.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein said determining is performed by said MAC data processing protocol sub-layer.

Plain English Translation

A method for processing data in a communication system involves determining a transmission parameter for a data packet based on a quality of service (QoS) requirement. The method includes receiving a data packet from an upper layer, analyzing the data packet to identify its QoS requirement, and determining a transmission parameter for the data packet based on the identified QoS requirement. The transmission parameter may include a modulation and coding scheme, a transmission power level, or a transmission time. The method further involves transmitting the data packet according to the determined transmission parameter. The determination of the transmission parameter is performed by a medium access control (MAC) data processing protocol sub-layer, which handles data transfer between the logical link control (LLC) sub-layer and the physical layer in a communication protocol stack. This ensures efficient and reliable data transmission while meeting the specified QoS requirements. The method may also include adjusting the transmission parameter dynamically based on changes in network conditions or QoS requirements.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said network is a mesh network, and said transmitting comprises one of flooding and routing of said alerting message.

Plain English Translation

A method for alerting devices in a mesh network involves transmitting an alerting message through the network. The mesh network consists of interconnected nodes that communicate with each other to relay data. The alerting message is disseminated either by flooding, where the message is broadcast to all nodes without selective routing, or by routing, where the message is directed through specific paths to reach intended recipients. This approach ensures that critical alerts are propagated efficiently across the network, even in dynamic or partially disconnected environments. The method may also include generating the alerting message based on detected conditions, such as security threats or system failures, and encoding the message with relevant data to inform receiving devices of the nature and urgency of the alert. The use of a mesh network allows for robust and redundant communication paths, enhancing reliability in alert dissemination. This technique is particularly useful in applications requiring rapid and widespread notification, such as industrial control systems, emergency response networks, or IoT deployments where timely alerts are critical for operational safety and efficiency.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said alerting message is transmitted to node devices within a pre-set number of hops of said receiving node device, in particular wherein said alerting message comprises a moving speed of said object, wherein said pre-set number of hops is based on said moving speed of said object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for transmitting alerting messages in a wireless network to notify node devices about a moving object. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently disseminate alerts about moving objects to relevant nodes in a network, ensuring timely and targeted notifications while minimizing unnecessary transmissions. The method involves transmitting an alerting message from a receiving node device to other node devices within a pre-set number of hops. The pre-set number of hops is dynamically determined based on the moving speed of the object, ensuring that the alert reaches nodes that are likely to be affected by the object's movement. The alerting message includes the object's moving speed, allowing receiving nodes to assess the potential impact and adjust their behavior accordingly. By limiting the transmission range based on the object's speed, the method optimizes network resources and reduces redundant alerts. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication, where timely and localized alerts are critical for safety and efficiency.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said node devices comprise at least one of smart pole devices and lighting devices providing at least one of a lighting service, a network access service and a geographic routing service to said object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a networked system of node devices, such as smart pole devices and lighting devices, that provide services to objects within their coverage area. The node devices are configured to offer at least one of a lighting service, a network access service, or a geographic routing service to the objects. The lighting service involves illuminating an area, while the network access service enables communication connectivity for the objects. The geographic routing service assists in determining the location or path of the objects within the network. The node devices are interconnected to form a network, allowing them to relay information and coordinate services. The system is designed to enhance functionality and efficiency in urban or outdoor environments by integrating multiple services into a single infrastructure. This approach reduces the need for separate systems, optimizing resource usage and improving operational performance. The invention aims to provide a scalable and adaptable solution for smart city applications, where lighting infrastructure doubles as a communication and navigation network.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein node devices receiving said alerting message provide a luminance level dependent on geographic distances between said receiving node devices and said node device transmitting said alerting message.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a wireless communication system where node devices transmit alerting messages to neighboring nodes. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently disseminating alerts in a network while optimizing power consumption and signal clarity. When a node device transmits an alerting message, neighboring nodes receiving the message adjust their luminance levels based on their geographic distance from the transmitting node. Nodes closer to the transmitter may increase luminance for better visibility, while nodes farther away may reduce luminance to conserve power or avoid interference. The system ensures that alert messages are effectively propagated while dynamically adapting to environmental and positional factors. The method involves determining the geographic distances between nodes and adjusting luminance accordingly, enhancing both the reliability and efficiency of alert dissemination in the network. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where visual indicators are critical, such as emergency response systems or industrial monitoring networks.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The node device of claim 13, comprising a Medium Access Control (MAC) data processing protocol sub-layer, wherein said geographic location address of said originator node device and said moving direction are comprised in at least one of a MAC header and application data of said alerting message for processing by said MAC data processing protocol sub-layer of said node device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing the need for efficient dissemination of alerting messages in mobile ad-hoc networks. The system involves node devices that communicate with each other in a decentralized manner, where each node can act as both a transmitter and receiver. A key challenge in such networks is ensuring that critical alerting messages, such as emergency notifications or hazard warnings, are reliably transmitted to nearby nodes while minimizing unnecessary propagation. The invention describes a node device configured to generate and transmit an alerting message containing a geographic location address of the originator node and a moving direction. The alerting message is structured to include this information in either the Medium Access Control (MAC) header or the application data, allowing the MAC data processing protocol sub-layer of receiving nodes to process the location and direction data. This enables the receiving nodes to determine whether the alert is relevant to their position and movement, facilitating more efficient message forwarding. The MAC sub-layer processes the location and direction data to decide whether to relay the message further, reducing redundant transmissions and conserving network resources. The system ensures that alerting messages are propagated only to nodes that are geographically relevant, improving the efficiency and reliability of emergency communications in dynamic, mobile networks.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A computer program product, comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause said at least one processor to carry out the method according to claim 1.

Plain English Translation

A computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform a method for managing data in a distributed computing environment. The method involves receiving a data access request from a client device, where the request specifies a data object and an access operation. The system determines whether the data object is stored in a local cache of the client device. If the data object is not in the local cache, the system retrieves the data object from a remote storage system and stores it in the local cache. The system then performs the requested access operation on the data object and returns the result to the client device. If the data object is already in the local cache, the system directly performs the access operation on the cached data object and returns the result. The method optimizes data access by reducing latency and network traffic by leveraging local caching, while ensuring data consistency by fetching the latest version from the remote storage when necessary. The system may also handle cache invalidation to maintain data accuracy. The computer program product enables efficient data management in distributed systems by minimizing redundant data transfers and improving response times for client devices.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

December 15, 2020

Publication Date

April 30, 2024

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